<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today, Thursday, May 15, CT Against Gun Violence (CAGV) convened its annual “Be the Hope” Luncheon Benefit at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. This waterfront gathering united advocates, community leaders, and survivors to advance CAGV’s mission of ending gun violence in Connecticut through education, advocacy, and legislative action. The event was co-chaired by Jennifer Epstein, Nicole Heath, Nancy Lefkowitz, Melissa Kane, Allison Stockel, and Barb Patrick—each a dedicated advocate for gun violence prevention.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In 2024, Connecticut recorded a statewide decrease in violent crime—including in its five largest cities—underscoring the impact of the state’s stringent gun‐safety laws. Yet, as Executive Director Earl Bloodworth reminded attendees, “Behind every statistic is a name, a family.” Bloodworth also sounded the alarm on recent Department of Public Health funding cuts that threaten prevention programs.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The luncheon honored Jonathan Perloe, CAGV’s longtime Director of Communications, celebrating his years of tireless advocacy. Attendees then welcomed Earl Bloodworth formally as CAGV’s new Executive Director, marking a renewed leadership chapter.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Voices of Hope</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Matthew Holden was six when he survived the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Now a Political Science major at George Washington University and an intern for Rep. Jahana Hayes, Holden used his story to call for kindness: “If you remember anything from today, remember to be kind.” He credited his mother—who also survived the attack—for raising him and his sister “to fight for what we believe in.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Award‐winning poet and New Haven native Yexandra Diaz followed, recounting the gun‐related death of her husband, Shane, and her daughter’s ongoing healing. Diaz has lobbied Hartford and Washington for stricter laws, insisting, “The strongest power I have is my voice, and it’s free.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After a luncheon of salmon and chopped salad, CAGV board member and event co-chair Allison Stockel galvanized the room to bid on auction items and commit new resources, ensuring CAGV can sustain its Youth Council, grassroots outreach, and policy campaigns.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today’s gathering made one truth clear: Connecticut is making headway in reducing gun violence, but the work is far from over. Through “Be the Hope,” CAGV harnessed survivor testimony, legislative insight, and community solidarity into a powerful, unwavering call for continued action.</span></p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">A Morning of Gratitude in Waterbury</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">On Tuesday, May 13th, Laura Cordeira and her Nurse Family Partnership team had the pleasure of gathering at Waterbury City Hall’s Veteran’s Hall in honor of National Nurse’s Month. The event celebrated RVNAhealth’s incredible Nurse Family Partnership team, who have been serving first-time parents since 2020. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Waterbury Mayor The Honorable Paul K. Pernegerwski presented a heartfelt citation recognizing RVNAhealth NFP nurses’ dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the families of Waterbury. It was a beautiful morning filled with appreciation, connection, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you to everyone who joined us — and to our NFP nurses for the work you do every day!&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Red Cross Blood Drive, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For an appointment, please visit </span><a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.redcrossblood.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or scan the poster QR code with a smartphone. Enter 5320.&nbsp; You'll make a difference and donors who give blood in May receive a $20 gift card or a lantern.&nbsp;</span></p><p><a href="http://www.newtown-ct.gov/node/340961" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Read more</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) celebrated a remarkable milestone on Friday, April 11, hosting its Annual Dinner at the Amber Room Colonnade to mark <strong>50 years of uninterrupted service</strong> to the community. Themed <em>From Fifty to the Future</em>, the event brought together more than 350 guests to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future.</p><p>The evening highlighted the outstanding contributions of this year’s award honorees:</p><ul><li><strong>Honoring the Past</strong>: CEE Founding Members Alice Chapman, Betti Corso, and Bonnie Law</li><li><strong>Honoring the Present</strong>: Current CEE Staff</li><li><strong>Honoring the Future</strong>: The inspiring young women of <em>Girls Inspiring Girls</em> at Newtown High School</li></ul><p>Guests were welcomed by Honorary Chairs <strong>Pamela Chapman</strong> and <strong>Carla (Corso) Pierce</strong>, whose leadership helped shape a meaningful evening of celebration and giving. The program also featured <strong>Dave Price</strong>, WNBC Weather Anchor, as the evening’s spirited auctioneer, rallying enthusiastic support for CEE’s mission.</p><p>Proceeds from the event support CEE’s <strong>no-cost crisis intervention and prevention programs and services</strong>, including ongoing education and awareness efforts to reduce and prevent interpersonal violence across the region.</p><blockquote>“Interpersonal violence isn’t a thing of the past—it’s an epidemic that continues to affect individuals and families right here in our own community. Every day, more survivors find the courage to come forward, asking for safety, support, and to be believed. And the truth is, we are in the fight of our lives.</blockquote><blockquote>We’re fighting for the resources and staffing it takes to respond quickly, effectively, and inclusively. We’re fighting to ensure every survivor is met with compassion and care. This work doesn’t stop, because the need doesn’t stop.</blockquote><blockquote>And the future we’re building—a future that’s safe, survivor-centered, and free from violence—depends on the choices we make right now. It depends on each of us choosing not to look away, but to invest in services that are truly for everyone—because interpersonal violence doesn’t discriminate, and neither can our response.”</blockquote><blockquote>— <em>Ashley Dunn, President &amp; CEO, The Center for Empowerment and Education</em></blockquote><p>CEE extends heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who made this milestone event possible.</p><p>To view event photos or make a contribution, visit <a href="https://www.thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thecenterct.org</a>.</p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Brookfield’s Expedia Cruises Hosts Adults-Only Travel Night Featuring Sandals Resorts and Virgin Voyages</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a cocktail aboard a luxury cruise or lounging beachside at an all-inclusive resort—without the kids in tow—this is your invitation to turn that dream into a plan.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join Jim and Mary Villamana, owners of the full-service travel agency Expedia Cruises in Brookfield, for an evening of wine, light bites, and insider tips on the best in adults-only vacations. On Wednesday, May 21, at Del Primo Ristorante &amp; Bar in Brookfield, guests will hear from experts at Sandals Resorts and Virgin Voyages, two brands that have redefined what it means to get away in style.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This relaxed, informative gathering will showcase the newest offerings, exclusive itineraries, and elevated experiences tailored specifically for adults. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a milestone celebration, or simply in need of a grown-up getaway, Jim and Mary’s team of Vacation Consultants can help you find your perfect escape.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Event Details</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Time: 6:30 PM</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Location: Del Primo Ristorante &amp; Bar, 450 Federal Rd, Brookfield, CT</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> RSVP by May 18:</span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/sandalsvirgin2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Learn more and reserve your spot here</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Space is limited, so don’t wait. Pour a glass, pull out your calendar, and start dreaming!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-wtjuya-tlluktttuu-k/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);"><strong>Governor Lamont Highlights Proactive Steps Connecticut Is Taking To Address ‘The Link’ Between Child Abuse and Animal Cruelty</strong></a></p><p>Governor Ned Lamont today joined other state officials and animal welfare advocates for a news conference at the headquarters of the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington to commemorate Child Abuse Awareness Month and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and highlight the proactive work being done among Connecticut state agencies to cross report accounts of animal cruelty for assessment and possible investigation to determine the safety of children in households where these reports have occurred.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Numerous studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between instances of animal abuse, child maltreatment, and other forms of interpersonal violence, including domestic violence and elder abuse. Professionals refer to this correlation as “The Link.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Over the last several years, staff from Connecticut state agencies, including the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOAG), have been strengthening their partnerships to respond to “The Link” by cross reporting these instances to each other. Upon receiving reports of reasonable suspicion of animal cruelty from state, regional, and municipal animal control officers, DOAG staff are mandated to forward that information to staff from DCF, who then review whether any children in those homes could be impacted.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“It’s clear that in homes where animal cruelty has occurred, child abuse or other forms of domestic violence may be present,”&nbsp;Governor Lamont said. “By cross reporting this information between state agencies, our staff can proactively investigate whether other forms of violence are occurring in a home and take measures to protect any children, adults, or animals who may be impacted.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Our continued collaboration with DCF and other state and local partners is essential to increasing education and outreach around the link between child abuse and animal cruelty,”&nbsp;Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt said. “Through training and education, animal control officers are key partners in recognizing and responding to signs of cruelty and sharing that information appropriately to protect the safety and wellbeing of both children and animals.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Connecticut has seen demonstrated increases in animal cruelty reports over the past several years, due in part to increased education and outreach efforts by both DCF and DOAG. For example, DCF has made cross reporting a part of the agency’s mandated reporter training. More recently, across its 14 offices, DCF has also more than doubled the number of cross-reporting liaisons who are responsible for helping to triage cases between DCF social workers and animal control officers and provide monthly training and educational support to teams of staff.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">In 2024, DOAG sent DCF 90 reports, while in that same year DCF sent a total of 107 reports to DOAG. Last year, “The Link” was apparent in 16 reports that met the standard for an abuse/neglect investigation based on the initial information provided in the written report. Of those 90 reports, 13 were made on families that were already involved with and receiving supports from DCF.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">A review of research studies shows that:</p><ul><li>Animals were harmed in 88% of homes where a child was physically abused.</li><li>75% of female survivors of domestic violence report their pets were threatened or intentionally harmed by their partner.</li><li>Children exposed to domestic violence are three times more likely to be cruel to animals.</li><li>45% of caseworkers working with the elderly encountered animal abuse or neglect co-occurring with elder abuse.</li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify">Anyone can make a report of animal cruelty by contacting their local animal control department in the town where those concerns have been noted or by contacting DOAG’s Animal Control Office at 860-713-2506 or&nbsp;<strong style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">AGR.AnimalControl@ct.gov</strong>. Those making a report can remain anonymous.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">A reasonable suspicion of child maltreatment can be made to DCF’s Child Abuse and Neglect Careline by dialing 1-800-842-2288. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Callers can remain anonymous.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>